Driving to London yesterday and we deliberately avoided the Purley way and instead drove through Purley and its amazing array of independent shops, beauty places, bars and pubs. A few yards up the road, we got to South Croydon and its marvellous Restaurant Quarter.

This weekend offers a choice of indoor or outdoor car boot sales for Croydon locals. What better time to have a good old de-clutter, a fun day out and make a little bit of extra cash in time for the Easter holidays?

‘Be my Valentine my love, as I will be for you, and we will love the whole day long, and share our whole lives through’ - well you should do if you get the present right! Take a look beyond red roses and see what else Croydon has to fan the flames of love

From Tupperware to Ann Summers - the world of 'party plan' has come a long way. Pin money or big bucks? The answer is entirely down to your effort and entrepreneurial spirit, and the advice and support is there for the taking.

Whilst it’s lovely to stroll round the Croydon shops admiring the glittering displays designed to tempt us into opening our purses, if things are a bit tight this year, there IS a way of showing you care without breaking the bank...

What better time to support local organisations, schools and charities - Christmas isn't complete without a visit to a local Christmas Market or Fayre. Pick up a unique gift, share a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie and support your local community